BELL HELICOPTER

In 2021, Bell Textron selected Birch to upgrade a gear line in their new 140,000 square foot Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Fort Worth, Texas. The MTC is a testing ground for Bell to refine the technology necessary to build and support Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft and the gear line is critical to their ability to move materials throughout the factory.

To complete this project, Birch worked directly with Bell from permitting through final inspection. This complex project included several small phases including demolition, foundation modification and complex MEP coordination. We also worked directly with Bell to coordinate deliveries of material and installation and maintenance of stringent dust control to minimize impact on operations. As the project progressed, we worked with Bell’s internal project team, including Bell’s fire marshal, to ensure compliance. This required extensive use of welding shields and extended fire watch durations.